The film’s title serves as a metaphor: the ordinance that sparked the outrage was debated by commissioners on an uncharacteristically frigid night and some opponents at the time remarked that the ordinance would pass "when hell freezes over." The morning after the ordinance was approved - Jan. 19, 1977 - Miamians woke up to snowflakes for the first and, so far, only time.

The ordinance and subsequent battle in South Florida thrust gay rights into the national spotlight for the first time and the film documents the LGBT movement through the present.

Wednesday’s event at the San Carlos, 516 Duval St.. Major sponsors are the Miami Herald, the San Carlos Institute, AIDS Help and Equality Florida. Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the door. For reservations: keystix.com or 305-295-7676.